Buddhist charity raises environmental consciousness in army

by Deborah Kuo, Central News Agency, May 7, 2009

Taipei, Taiwan -- Members of Taiwan's largest charity organization, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, entered the General Headquarters of the Army Thursday to raise awareness about environmental protection among the men and women in uniform.

A delegation of nearly 100 Tzu Chi volunteers visited the army headquarters located in the northern county of Taoyuan to demonstrate how garbage should be reduced in volume and recycled.

The volunteers also exchanged views at a discussion session with the army personnel on ways to save energy, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lead an environmentally friendly life.

They exhorted the army to take the lead in Taiwan society to make efforts to save the earth.

Volunteers gave out over 500 piggy banks to the officers and soldiers, urging them to follow in the footsteps of Tzu Chi followers to live simply and to save money.